Solved SFC or DISM - Which to Run First?

my2cents

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Since I have seen "both" recommended as a first step, and since the correct sequence is not defined anywhere that I can find, here's my take on this subject:

Run sfc /scannow (first)
This will attempt to fix any corruption from the resident component store
(Note: internet access is not required)

If the above is unsuccessful:

Run Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This will attempt to fix any corruption from an online Windows Update source
(Note: internet access is required and may take a considerable amount of time on slow connections)

Hopefully, if OK:

Run sfc /scannow (again)
This will verify that DISM was successful in repairing the errors

Your thoughts on this issue would be greatly appreciated.


my2cents
 

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That is my understanding, yes.
 

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I run sfc /scannow first.
Then dism.
Then reboot.
Then run sfc AGAIN.

I have my dism set to use Windows Update to get components for the store :


  • Open the group policy editor. For example, on a computer that is running Windows 8.1, from the start screen, type Edit Group Policy, and then select Edit Group Policy to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • Click Computer Configuration, click Administrative Templates, click System, and then double-click the Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair setting.
  • Or right click it & choose Edit.
  • Select the settings that you want to use for Features on Demand.


    1>
    screenshot_14.jpg

    2>
    screenshot_14.jpg

    3>
    screenshot_14.jpg

    I like to reboot after running Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
    Then run sfc. :)
 

My Computer

System One

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    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
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    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
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Hi David,

Thank you for responding. It seems to me like that option is just applicable to DISM and does not apply to SFC. Am I correct in that asumption? So, is your recommendation to just skip SFC and go right to the DISM command? If so, any concerns about how long that might take over a slow internet connection?

Best regards,

my2cents
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Hi David,

Thank you for responding. It seems to me like that option is just applicable to DISM and does not apply to SFC. Am I correct in that asumption? So, is your recommendation to just skip SFC and go right to the DISM command? If so, any concerns about how long that might take over a slow internet connection?

Best regards,

my2cents

Only applies to dism & not to sfc.

No, run sfc first, then dism, then reboot, then run sfc again.

On a dial-up connection it might take a long time.
But people on dial-up are used to waiting. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
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    Extended Model 2
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    Opera 24.0
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    Avast Internet Security
I was just relating my setup.

I have a cable connection.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
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    Extended Model 2
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Thanks for that clarification and identifying that usefiul option as well. Since specific MS servers are sometimes unavailable, maybe changing that option might take one to a different server? Not sure though...

Thanks again,

my2cents
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Thanks for that clarification and identifying that usefiul option as well. Since specific MS servers are sometimes unavailable, maybe changing that option might take one to a different server? Not sure though...

Thanks again,

my2cents

It takes you to Windows Update.

The other server is online too.
So it affects time too on a slow connection.:geek:

Notice the word "Online":

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
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I have never tried it but one could unhook their internet connection & try to run the Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
Yes, I did notice the word online but thank you for poiting that out; however, I was actually referring to the source for the DISM compare. Specifically, your option shows two different sources available and they are:

Contact Windows Update directly (if selected)
Use the WSUS service (if not selected)

I am assuming both require online access but they may be located on different servers and that's why I said:

maybe changing that option might take one to a different server? Not sure though...

Cheers friend!

my2cents
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Yes, I did notice the word online but thank you for poiting that out; however, I was actually referring to the source for the DISM compare. Specifically, your option shows two different sources available and they are:

Contact Windows Update directly (if selected)
Use the WSUS service (if not selected)

I am assuming both require online access but they may be located on different servers and that's why I said:
maybe changing that option might take one to a different server? Not sure though...

Cheers friend!

my2cents

Microsoft has lots of servers.
Both disms might or might not be on the same server{machine}.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
The /ONLINE means you are working with a active, booted system rather than a stored system image. I don't think it refers to the internet at all. Art least that's what I get from reading about it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
The /ONLINE means you are working with a active, booted system rather than a stored system image. I don't think it refers to the internet at all. Art least that's what I get from reading about it.

Did you see the screenshots in post #3 ?

They specifically refer to Windows Update & the WSUS server.

Both on the internet.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
/Online

Specifies that the action is to be taken on the operating system that is currently running.

This option cannot be used with the /Image or the /WinDir option. When /Online is used the Windows directory for the online image is automatically detected.

From here: Deployment Image Servicing and Management Command-Line Options

From Brinks tutorial:

/RestoreHealth - (recommended) This switch option checks for component store corruption, records the corruption to the log file, and FIXES the image corruption using Windows Update. This should take around 10-15 minutes up to about an hour to finish depending on the level of corruption.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Yup, agree with that, just not /Online parameter having anything to do with the internet. It defines what is being searched and repaired.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Yup, agree with that, just not /Online parameter having anything to do with the internet. It defines what is being searched and repaired.

The focus of this thread is related to one specific command that does access Windows Update. Moreover, it was never intended to address all the DISM variables that are available. Just one specific command string; period. And when David pointed to the online options that were available, you chimed in with "online doesn't always mean online" or something to that effect. Now, since you seem to be up on dism command strings, I will not dispute your claims, nor do I care to, because I only care about the one mentioned in my opening statement. And, I believe it is the same one you are trying to use right now to fix your own dism issue; correct? BTW, I think ectech is really providing you with excellent support to try and help you with your own dism issue and I wish you the best of luck in resolving it.

Respectfully,

my2cents
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Hello all,

In summary, with two others forum members in agreement with my initial post and no forum members disputing the specifics of same, I am marking this thread as solved. Thanks to all who participated in this lively conversation.

Best regards,

my2cents
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
my2cents - sorry, did not mean to disrupt the flow of this topic. ectech is indeed being extremely helpful. Thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Since I have seen "both" recommended as a first step, and since the correct sequence is not defined anywhere that I can find, here's my take on this subject:

Run sfc /scannow (first)
This will attempt to fix any corruption from the resident component store
(Note: internet access is not required)

If the above is unsuccessful:

Run Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This will attempt to fix any corruption from an online Windows Update source
(Note: internet access is required and may take a considerable amount of time on slow connections)

Hopefully, if OK:

Run sfc /scannow (again)
This will verify that DISM was successful in repairing the errors

Your thoughts on this issue would be greatly appreciated.


my2cents

In my case I found that the command ending in "/RestoreHealth" was not valid. It needed to be "/ScanHealth"
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 on one and Win7 on others
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell 2 in 1
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